MEA Board Briefings
Next steps for Great Public Schools
At their meeting on Jan. 30-31, 2010, MEA's Board of Directors received reports to inform their policy and program decisions:
Executive Director Mark Gray presented next steps for MEA's Great Public Schools in Maine campaign. Eleven school districts are targeted for organizing our members, communities, and education allies to protect public schools and the quality of programs delivered. Plans will be forthcoming to build a coalition of supporters for public education.
Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron is applying to the U.S. Department of Education for Race to the Top funds for Maine this spring. Maine would be eligible for $20-75 million in funds. The Board is looking at information around this grant and how it would impact public schools, students, and school educators.
Christine Burke, MEA Benefits Trust Executive Director, discussed health insurance plan designs and renewal of plan rates for the 2010-2011 year with Anthem. Rates have not been set.
Shawn Keenan, MEA General Counsel, presented information about charging and collecting agency fees from non-members.
In Board actions, they: . Canceled the Area Input Meetings scheduled in February due to low attendance and budgetary concerns.
. Accepted the affiliation of RSU 23 Education Association (Saco EA, Saco Custodians, Old Orchard Beach TA, Old Orchard ESP, and Dayton EA).
. Made recommendations for funding in the 2010-2011 budget for more regional trainings, additional conference funding, and increased public relations.
. Provided input to the Instruction and Professional Development Committee on
resolutions being developed for submission to the Representative Assembly regarding Teacher Evaluation and a Definition of Teacher Effectiveness.
Legislative Action
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Great Public Schools
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